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UPDATE: A Setback at the James River

July 7, 2017
by National Trust for Historic Preservation

photo by:
Kris Weinhold

Today, we found out disappointing news: the Army Corps of Engineers has granted Dominion Virginia Power a federal permit to construct approximately four miles of power lines and 17 transmission towers across the James River at Jamestown, which will dramatically alter this cherished historic landscape, Colonial National Historical Park, and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Sharee Williamson, associate general counsel here at the National Trust says, “We are disappointed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to grant a permit for this project to build a massive transmission line across the James River at Jamestown...[However] the permitting process for Dominion’s proposal at the local level is not over. We are exploring our options and will continue to fight for the preservation of America’s Founding River.”

While this decision is a setback, we are no less determined to stop Dominion’s plans to degrade the historic landscape of the James River at Jamestown.

Update

On August 3, 2017, we joined with Preservation Virginia to file a lawsuit to ensure that legal, proper and reasonable steps are taken to protect this iconic place in American history. The Army Corps of Engineers granted Dominion’s permit without preparing a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which would include a thorough review of reasonable alternatives, and a transparent public process and comment period.

In support of the lawsuit’s filing, National Trust President and CEO Stephanie Meeks said, “ We know, and engineering experts have independently verified, viable alternatives exist that would meet the region’s power needs and protect this jewel of Virginian and American history.”